Bulls Trading Ayo Dosunmu to Timberwolves
The Chicago Bulls are finalizing a trade that sends guard Ayo Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves. This move comes as both teams adjust their rosters in preparation for the remainder of the NBA season.
Ayo Dosunmu’s Transfer Details
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the trade will also include third-year forward Julian Phillips heading to Minnesota. In exchange, the Bulls will acquire:
- 2024 first-round pick Rob Dillingham
- Third-year forward Leonard Miller
- Four second-round picks
Motivation Behind the Trade
The Timberwolves have sought to strengthen their backcourt throughout the season. Despite veteran Mike Conley’s significant contributions last season, his recent performance has dropped. Young players like Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. did not develop as expected, resulting in additional ball-handling responsibilities for Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo.
Ayo Dosunmu’s Performance
Dosunmu is enjoying a standout season, averaging 15.0 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.0 rebounds across 26.4 minutes per game. His shooting statistics are impressive, with a shooting percentage of 51.4% from the field, 45.1% from three-point range, and 85.7% from the free-throw line.
The Timberwolves’ Strategy
This trade marks a notable conclusion to Dillingham’s time with the Timberwolves. The team had initially invested heavily in him, sacrificing draft picks to secure his selection as the eighth overall pick in 2024. However, Dillingham failed to make a significant impact, averaging only 4.0 points and 1.9 assists in his appearances.
Future Considerations
For Dosunmu, this trade opens the door to a potential long-term role in Minnesota. He is currently on an expiring $7.5 million contract, eligible for an extension that could reach $52.4 million over three years by June 30. If no agreement is reached, he will become an unrestricted free agent with the Timberwolves holding his Bird rights.
Impact on the Bulls
The Bulls, having valued draft assets, will add Dillingham to their roster while still maintaining significant future draft picks, totaling 14 second-rounders. Despite the roster shakeup, they continue to focus on building for the future rather than immediate playoff success. This trade is part of a broader strategy that includes multiple trades completed this week.
Potential Future Moves
Despite the roster changes, the Bulls still have a logjam in their backcourt. This includes players such as Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, Jaden Ivey, Collin Sexton, and Anfernee Simons. Additionally, they expressed interest in 19-year-old prospect Joan Beringer from Minnesota, though the Timberwolves are keen to keep him.
The recent trade involving Ayo Dosunmu reflects both teams’ intentions to adjust and improve their lineups as the trade deadline approaches. The Timberwolves hope Dosunmu can contribute to their backcourt, while the Bulls aim to enhance their position in future seasons.
